Bali Fashion Week eyes international attention
DENPASAR (JP): With the country facing a serious downfall socially, politically and economically, Bali is still eager to hold the second Bali Fashion Week at Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur from May 9 through May 13.
Organized by Bali Moda Foundation, the Fashion Week is mainly aimed at providing a forum for local designers, garment producers, manufacturing and exporters to promote their creations and products to local and international potential buyers.
Designer Mardiana Ika, chairwoman of the organizing committee, said recently in Kuta, Bali, that the event was also a good opportunity for related parties to meet each other and to make business transactions.
"Last year (the first Bali Fashion Week), business transactions were very good. Many of participants received a bulk of orders," said Ika, also managing director of Hong Kong-based Butoni fashion.
This year's Fashion Week will be participated in by a large number of young designers such as Aliki, Monika Weber and Rizal as well as garment and textile producers, producers of leather goods, accessories and jewelry.
"I admitted it was very hard to convince some people to take part in the coming event. Many first agreed to participate but at the last minute canceled," said Ika, a graduate of the London College of Fashion.
Ika said she understood that the current situation had discouraged designers and other participants from taking part in exhibitions and trade fairs both here and abroad.
"Our economy is at its lowest ebb. But, in my opinion, we have to do something to promote Indonesian products otherwise we will left out by international buyers," Ika said.
Potential buyers who have contacted the organizing committee come from various countries such as Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Greece, Spain, France, Germany, the United States, South Africa and Middle East countries.
"Don't forget the Bali Fashion Week will be extensively covered by local and international media, therefore participants will benefit from worldwide coverage," Ika added.
Ika went on to say that reputable print and broadcast media such as CNN, Fashion Channel, The South China Morning Post, Japan Business News, Book Moda would be covering the event.
"If you have your work shown on CNN, how many people will see it? How many buyers will view your creations?" Ika said.
She said she had the full support of the Bali provincial government, the Bali Tourism Board (BTB), the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), the Indonesian Fashion Designers Association (APPMI) and the Indonesian Fashion Designers Council (IPMI).
"It Is lucky that Bali is still safe and many foreigners are still willing to travel to the island," she said.
The event is expected to promote Indonesian products in the international fashion markets.(raw)